In Morocco, the rain has rarely been so appreciated. “I love rain !”, launches a resident. Since the beginning of April, the rains have returned and that makes the inhabitants happy. Indeed, the drought – the worst since 1981 – is hitting the country hard. Despite late rains in March, the large dams have not recharged and are more than 95% empty.
The drought has direct effects on the economy. “Productivity in Morocco is based on rain”confirms a resident. “It is vital”, abounds another. Everyone is concerned : “People really need it, especially farmers but we do too”confirms a Moroccan woman.
Because if the farmers already lack water, soon the population of the big cities could also be concerned. The situation is such that Casablanca and Rabat risk total shortage by 2025 if the winter seasons continue at the same pace as this year, experts warn. The dam feeding them being empty, it was necessary to connect the metropolis to other water points but also to rationalize the use of blue gold.
The Lyonnaise des eaux de Casablanca (Lydec) has therefore embarked on a major hunt for leaks throughout the Casablanca network. “We added around 1,000 ultrasonic sensors to the network to detect leaks”explains Saad Azzaoui, project management director. “We have also reinforced our mobile field leak detection teams, listening teams that operate especially at night.”
Saving water is not enough, however. Other sources will have to be found. Morocco is already very well endowed with dams, but the level of the water tables is constantly decreasing. One of the solutions could be the desalination of seawater. Several plant projects have also been launched.
In Agadir, a Pakistani company is at work, which is a source of pride for Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan. “The factory is impressivehe welcomes. Water is produced there on demand. Morocco wanted a very technical factory, delivered in just 36 months, and we are happy that it is running at full speed.” This emergency plan against drought is only in its infancy, in the face of the effects of climate change which are accelerating.